The Fukuoka Prefectural Assembly is facing mounting scrutiny over its use of public funds after revelations that assembly members spent about 45 million yen in one year on overseas inspection trips, including a Hawaii visit that cost nearly 12 million yen for four members. (News On Japan)

A welfare facility in Fukuchiyama, Kyoto Prefecture, has begun preparations to sell about 220 giant stag beetles, one of Japan’s largest species, from July 13. (News On Japan)

An unauthorized Islamic prayer hall has been built on land in Kawagoe, Saitama Prefecture, where new construction is generally prohibited, prompting the city to order the landowner to remove the structure. (News On Japan)

JAXA successfully landed a small experimental vehicle for a reusable rocket on July 11, marking a step toward technology that could increase the frequency of space launches while helping reduce costs. (News On Japan)

Large Typhoon No. 9 (Bavi) was over central China at 9 p.m. on July 12 and moving north-northwest, with the storm expected to weaken as it continues northwest before turning into an extratropical cyclone that will merge with the rainy season front and bring rain mainly to areas along the Sea of Japan coast. (News On Japan)

Meta's release this week of an AI feature that let people alter Instagram content drew swift blowback.

Vice-President JD Vance is among US officials expected to take part in negotiations resuming on Saturday in Oman.

The government says it was set up with a forged letter of appointment but others say there is more to it.

Meta's release this week of an AI feature that let people alter Instagram content drew swift blowback.

Prosecutors build a vivid picture of the suspect's movements as they seek to try the 23-year-old.

Canadian unity takes centre stage at the Calgary Stampede as fears of a Brexit-style upset looms over the October vote on Alberta's future.

They think democracy has run its course - so they're setting up their own nations instead.

They think democracy has run its course - so they're setting up their own nations instead.

Thirty-year-old Jordan Bardella had been groomed for success as France's next hard-right leader. He will now have to wait longer.

Thirty-year-old Jordan Bardella had been groomed for success as France's next hard-right leader. He will now have to wait longer.

In Zaporizhzhia, the densely populated city close to the front line, the security situation is deteriorating.

In Zaporizhzhia, the densely populated city close to the front line, the security situation is deteriorating.

Apple said in a Friday lawsuit that OpenAI’s nascent hardware business is “rotten to its core.”

Apple said in a Friday lawsuit that OpenAI’s nascent hardware business is “rotten to its core.”

Immigration agents were looking for a different person when they shot Lorenzo Salgado Araujo during a traffic stop, officials say.